In a recent darkly humorous novel titled “How To Kill Your Family” by Bella Mackie, the story revolves around a girl who resorts to murder to secure her family inheritance. The novel sparked controversy due to its eerie resemblance to another work, leading to a legal dispute with Netflix over alleged copyright infringement. This legal battle has now been resolved, potentially paving the way for a film adaptation starring Anya Taylor-Joy.
Prior to Mackie’s novel, the 2014 Tony-winning musical “A Gentleman’s Guide to Love & Murder” depicted a man reclaiming his birthright by eliminating eight senior family members. Furthermore, John Patton Ford’s upcoming film “How To Make a Killing,” featuring Glen Powell, draws inspiration from the 1949 classic “Kind Hearts and Coronets,” which was based on a novel predating it.
Adaptations of a singular narrative are not uncommon in the creative realm, although they may not sit well with literary purists. However, Ford’s version of the story enhances its exploration of ambition and the flaws within social hierarchies, resonating with contemporary audiences.
The evolution of the source material, “Israel Rank: The Autobiography of a Criminal,” originally published in 1907, has undergone numerous modifications over time to critique aristocracy and challenge societal norms. These alterations have helped maintain the story’s relevance and appeal to modern viewers.
The plot of “How To Make a Killing” revolves around Becket Redfellow, a disowned heir seeking retribution through cunning schemes aimed at securing his family’s wealth. The narrative unfolds as Becket recounts his elaborate schemes from death row, with a cast of characters played by prominent actors like Ed Harris, Topher Grace, and Zach Woods.
Despite some flaws in the film, such as a tonally confused action sequence and a somewhat subdued lead performance by Powell, the adaptation’s shift in setting to an American context adds a fresh perspective reminiscent of “The Wolf of Wall Street.” The film’s ending offers a poignant commentary on the ruthless pursuit of success and the disillusionment that accompanies it.
In essence, “How To Make a Killing” presents a grim portrayal of societal inequalities and the elusive nature of personal advancement in a world dominated by entrenched wealth gaps. It challenges traditional beliefs in social mobility and offers a somber critique of the American Dream, making it a thought-provoking addition to the genre.
